In a historic announcement that marks the end of an era, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has officially retired from Test cricket after a remarkable 14-year career. The former Indian captain shared the news with fans on May 11, 2025, through an emotional Instagram post, stunning the cricketing world.
A Glorious Test Career
Virat Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and quickly established himself as one of the finest batsmen of his generation. Over the course of 123 Test matches, he amassed an impressive 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 29 half-centuries, making him India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Test history.
Known for his aggression, passion, and fitness, Kohli not only excelled as a batsman but also redefined India’s approach to Test cricket as captain. Under his leadership, India achieved their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 and became a dominant force at home and abroad.
Kohli’s Emotional Farewell
In his heartfelt retirement message, Kohli wrote:
“It’s been 14 years since I wore the Indian cap for the first time in Test cricket. The journey has been nothing short of a dream. I’ve given my all to this format and it’s time to step away. Test cricket will always remain my favorite.”
He signed off as India’s 269th Test player, thanking teammates, coaches, fans, and his family for their unwavering support throughout his career.
A Leader and a Legend
Virat Kohli’s tenure as Test captain remains one of the most successful in Indian cricket history. He led India in 68 Tests, winning 40 of them—a record unmatched by any previous Indian captain.
His legacy includes not only statistics but also his emphasis on fitness, fast bowling, and fierce competitiveness. Kohli’s passion for the red-ball format reignited interest in Test cricket among young Indian fans.
What’s Next for Kohli?
While Kohli has stepped away from Test cricket, he remains active in limited-overs formats and the IPL. Fans can still look forward to his brilliance in ODIs, T20Is, and franchise cricket.
